At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, discussions around digital healthcare took center stage as industry leaders explored innovative technologies designed to boost accessibility, scalability, and overall patient outcomes.
Healthcare executives, including Mayo Clinic President and CEO Dr. Gianrico Farrugia, emphasized the importance of adopting a “digitally first” mindset to overcome long-standing challenges within the healthcare system. Since its inception in 2021, the World Economic Forum’s Edison Alliance has extended digital healthcare solutions to 1 billion people, although balancing broad-based value delivery with privacy and security concerns remains an ongoing challenge.
Unlocking the Potential of Digital Health
During a session titled “Cracking the Code of Digital Health” on January 22, Farrugia highlighted the need for a transformative shift from traditional pipeline models to dynamic platform approaches. “A system that frustrates patients is unsustainable. Transitioning to a more accessible, scalable healthcare model with better outcomes hinges on embracing a digitally first strategy,” he asserted. Farrugia outlined that success would depend on establishing clear pathways paired with financing models that empower countries to make informed decisions—whether by partnering with solution developers or creating in-house innovations. He added that addressing these foundational issues would not only benefit individual patients but also enable the healthcare system to continuously evolve and improve outcomes.
Recent PYMNTS Intelligence research supports this digital shift, revealing that two-thirds of consumers, especially millennials and higher-income groups, are utilizing patient portals. Among those who have yet to engage, 32% showed interest in doing so if given the opportunity. Moreover, another PYMNTS Intelligence report on digital healthcare platforms found that 78% of baby boomers and seniors are satisfied with accessing test results online, with 64% participating in at least one digital healthcare activity over the past year.
Getting EV Supply Chains Right
Electric vehicles also featured prominently in the forum’s discussions. In a session titled “Getting EV Supply Chains Right” on January 21, industry experts noted that while EV sales growth in the United States and Europe has decelerated, projections indicate that more than 30 million new EVs will be on the roads by 2027. Manufacturers are intensifying efforts to secure sustainable and reliable supply chains for critical components amid escalating geopolitical tensions and scaling production. “It’s not going to be a one-country effort when it comes to EVs—it will require a global collaboration,” remarked Pan Jian, co-chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology, the largest EV battery manufacturer worldwide.
Driving Resilience and Sustainability Through Digital Transformation
A recent WEF report released on January 20 underscored the pivotal role of digital transformation across various sectors, including manufacturing, in not only surviving disruptions but thriving in uncertain environments. The report noted that digital transformation can serve as a catalyst for sustainability and innovation, highlighting its potential to reduce environmental impact through initiatives like smart factories and energy-efficient systems. Advanced technologies are now central to addressing global challenges such as climate change and resource management.
Cybersecurity Tackles Risks and Supply Chain Challenges
Cybersecurity emerged as another critical theme at the forum, particularly as the increasing interconnectivity of global supply chains introduces new risks. In discussions led by experts including Keri Pearlson from MIT and Akshay Joshi from the World Economic Forum Centre for Cybersecurity, the consensus was clear: organizations must prepare for inevitable cyber incidents and establish robust crisis communication strategies. “If your organization hasn’t yet experienced a cyber incident, it’s only a matter of time. You don’t want to wait until the event occurs to activate your cyber crisis communication plan,” Pearlson emphasized during a January 13 podcast titled “Global Security Outlook: The Risks We All Face and How to Fight Back.”
As the forum continues to drive conversations around digital innovation, the future of healthcare, mobility, and global supply chains looks set to be shaped by the digital transformation journey, balancing technological advancement with resilience and sustainability.
